• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Strings click on fret when playing - need advice

#41
Spidey2112 said:
Let's be clear... amp is off, bass is disconnected from amp, and you can still hear a 'click' when the string makes contact with the fret...?
Click to expand...

the metal string hits the metal fret. it makes a noise. Not sure I would call it a click....but there is not a bass or guitar made that will not have a noise when a metal string hits a metal fret.

It you can hear it over the note when the amp is on - turn down the damn treble and mids.

Set all nobs at 12 0'clock. can you still hear it over the note?
 
#42
Hounddog409 said:
the metal string hits the metal fret. it makes a noise. Not sure I would call it a click....but there is not a bass or guitar made that will not have a noise when a metal string hits a metal fret.

It you can hear it over the note when the amp is on - turn down the damn treble and mids.

Set all nobs at 12 0'clock. can you still hear it over the note?
Click to expand...

She's new to bass... I probably heard it, too, when I first started playing... after +30 years of playing, not so much, anymore.

She turned down the treble.
 
#44
kurth83 said:
I get this if I fret hard, I refer to it as 'clank' though.

I always thought that it was a technique thing, and I can relate since mine isn't that good either.

I have to work harder to avoid clank as I move up the fretboard, the first 3-5 frets I don't get it at all. So I would expect a higher action to increase clank, the opposite of what some said.

My strings are ultra-light - this could make for slappier strings because the tension is low, making it easier to hit other frets when smacked down hard, especially as you move away from the nut.

My action is low - which as far as I can tell helps.

And unlike what some have suggested, it has nothing to do with plucking, I can get plenty of clank purely from the left hand.

Try a hammer on (but without first fretting a nearby fret) on the E string around the 9th fret and you should get a nice clear clank, and the B string is even clankier, I am pretty sure that is what the OP is talking about, or at least that is what happens to me.

Hoping to glean some ideas from this thread too.
Click to expand...

Agree with this 100%
 
#45
Action is either too low or your technique with your right hand needs improved. If its the right hand change the attack angle of your playing. I het my students to pretend they are getting an Eggo Waffle between strings. The attack is more horizonal than angled vertically. helps this issue every time.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On and SteveCS
#46
Is the clack similar at all frets, or is making a different clacking noise depending on where on the fretboard you are playing? For example, does it sound ok at frets 1,2, and 3, but annoyingly clacky at 7 and/or 8 and/or 9?
 
#47
Eric Swaim said:
Action is either too low or your technique with your right hand needs improved. If its the right hand change the attack angle of your playing. I het my students to pretend they are getting an Ego Waffle between strings. The attack is more horizonal than angled vertically. helps this issue every time.
Click to expand...

I've no idea what an Ego Waffle is, but yes, a more horizontal stroke across (through) the string with the fingertip moving almost parallel to the face of the body, is IMHO, far preferrable to an inwards strike...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On
#49
box-of-eggo-frozen-waffles-on-white-background-in-front-of-toaster-CEHBDX.jpg
SteveCS said:
I've no idea what an Ego Waffle is, but yes, a more horizontal stroke across (through) the string with the fingertip moving almost parallel to the face of the body, is IMHO, far preferrable to an inwards strike...
Click to expand...
Eggo Waffle you put in a toaster, if you use the wrong technique pulling it out of the toaster, you burn your fingers.

two-kellogs-eggo-breakfast-waffles-in-a-toaster-DCHH4N.jpg
two-kellogs-eggo-breakfast-waffles-in-a-toaster-DCHH4N.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: SteveCS
#52
Just browsing through the thread, so apologies if I'm retreading the same ground.

Without being too presumptuous regarding your experience, it takes a fair amount of time to develop all the little techniques associated with shaping your sound. Things like string muting using either hand, changing fretting fingers while a note is being played, hammer on and pull-off techniques, the amount of force applied when fretting or plucking, and more, all should become second nature given enough time and experience. You'll also figure out what incidental playing noises are significant in a group setting and which are not.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On and Spin Doctor
#53
Sounds to me like you just need to drop the treble EQ on your amp. If your treble EQ is set above 12 o'clock, drop it back down to 12. If that doesn't do it, drop it down to 11. That will clear up almost all your string and fret noise. Good news is that no matter how irritating that is to you in a personal practice, it will not be audible when playing in a group because the guitars and keyboards will be covering up that part of the sound spectrum.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On
#55
It's mainly technique, I think. I used to hate playing this one Jazz Bass that was sitting around the instrument lockers at my school (no one knows where it came from- it just kinda showed up) because it would do the same thing you're talking about. I was modding my bass awhile back and couldn't use it for a few weeks, and had to use the Jazz. At first it was rough, all buzzy and messy and all that, but after awhile it got less so. I kept playing that Jazz for rehearsals even after my bass was fixed, got to the point where there was very little buzz, and now that's one of my favorite basses I've ever played. So it was me, not the bass. Playing lighter with my right hand and really making sure my left hand was clamping down the string corrected most of that.

That being said, a proper setup couldn't hurt if you know a guy, and different strings could also help. Strings with higher tension could reduce some of that buzz. I know it did on my T-Bird.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On
#58
Could be that you are playing with a down stroke at the string instead of more across the string. If it's coming through the amp and you have the treble turned down as you say, it could also be the string striking the pickup pole. All that said a little bit of click on the front end of the note isn't necessarily undesirable, would likely not be heard in a band situation, and does give the note a distinct type of attack that can be used as an advantage depending on your desired end result.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rumble On
#60
Welcome to bass playing! I don't know why, but it seems like most answers really missed the problem. I think you're describing the problem perfectly - maybe it's a balkan thing :D
Anyway, some answers were on point. It's mainly a) too much power in your left hand and b) bad synchronization of left and right hands. It will get much better as you'll start to control the strength of your left hand's fingers and as you will pluck the string with your right hand closer to the exact moment you fret the string with your left. However, don't go crazy over it. I still get that clank sometimes after many years of playing, so I think that to a degree it can be expected. It's good that you're conscious about it, this probably means you'll actively try to get better. Don't expect great improvement overnight and it might never completely go away, but it will get better. Have fun!
 
  • Like
Reactions: SteveCS and Rumble On

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back